University Wines, Dines U.N. Leader

Secretary General of the United Nations Javier Perez de Cuellar arrived at Harvard yesterday amid relatively little fanfare for a day of formal receptions capped by a speech on the potential role of the U.N. in assuring world stability.

Perez de Cucllar spent most of his day meeting informally with students and faculty members, discussing his role as the top official of the world's only intergovernmental negotiating body.

Described by many as soft-spoken but charming, the Secretary seemed "pleased and relaxed to be with students," said Dr. S. Allen Counter, director of, The Harvard Foundation, which co-sponsored the event with the Center for International Affairs.

In his speech to an audience of 300 in the Yenching Auditorium, Perez de Cuellar spoke of such past U.N. achievements as small-pox control, reductions in worldwide illiteracy and malnutrition, and actions to combat worldwide pollution, desertification, and overpopulation.

He deplored the trend of belittling the United Nations, stressed the "objectivity and impartiality" necessary for those in his office, and outlined the potential advisory and informational role of the organization in future disarmament efforts.

Perez de Cuellar, who is Perusian, began his five-year term as Secretary General in 1982.

After a brief private interview with President Bok, the Secretary and a crowd of about 35 students heard a short performance by the Radcliffe Pitches and three Latin American classical guitar pieces played by Richard J. Chavez '87 in the large ballroom of 17 Quincy St., formerly the University president's house.

Perez de Cuellar "looked like he was enjoying himself--I saw him tapping his feet," said Jessica H. Beels '85 of the Pitches.

Perez de Cuellar then proceeded to the Quincy House small dining room for a luncheon of grapefruits, white wine, breast of chicken and Harvard Food Services salad.

The Jubilee Singers, a Harvard gospel group, provided entertainment as Perez de Cuellar watched attentively, flanked by Counter and Dean of the College John B. Fox Jr. '59.

The 64-year-old Secretary, aged 64, slim, well-tailored, and youthful, then rose and addressed the approximately 75 students and faculty, reminding them of the U.N.'s mission of preserving the peace "for you young people."

Winners

Alluding to his own experience as a student and law professor, he assured the audience that "I am working for all of you. Because I love all of you because you are what I was."

Perez de Cuellar participated in one of the afternoon's surprises, presenting a plaque on behalf of the Harvard Foundation to Rhodes Scholar Juan A. Sepulveda '85.

Afterward, Troy A.P. Davis '87 slipped forward unobtrusively and gave the Secretary a book on world government.

During the prolonged question-and-answer period after the Secretary's afternoon speech at the Yenching Library, a self-described Tamilese man gave Perez de Cuellar a sealed document entreating him, the man said, to "stop the killing" of Tamils by the Sri Lankan government.

Despite the minimal advance publicity, all of the day's events except the initial reception at 17 Quincy St. were well-attended.

Thant K. Myint-U '87, who had just flown in from Christmas vacation in Bangkok, overcame his exhaustion to see the Secretary because, he said, his grandfather had served as a U.N. Third Secretary General and Myint-U thought it would be nice to "come say hello."

No Respect

Steven G. Kalar '88, U.N. enthusiast and long-time participant in student Model U.N. sessions, said he thought the poor showing did not reflect the pressures of reading period, but rather the cynicism and lack of respect most people feel towards the U.N.

"It's a horrible attitude," he added